Observation/Reflection #1: Starting From the Beginning
During this observation, focus on how class begins. Where is your CT before class begins? What is he or she doing? Using the clock on the wall, determinewhen your CT establishes order and begins class. How did she/he start their lesson? How is homework from the previous night reviewed/collected/assessed? How does your CT engage students during the opening of the lesson?
Observation:
Class in both of my CT's classroom's starts as soon as the period begins. Mr. Reis (H.S.) usually starts the class off with some interesting animation/ short video clip (2-5 mins), he is a wealth of resources for these types of things. The clips pertain to what the students are learning about during that class period, and usually pull their attention in right away. The class will discuss what they saw and relate it to their Power Notes (outlines) they have made from the book the night before. Science binders are left open on students desks, and Mr. Reis walks around to ensure that the homework was done and is of high quality. If there is not a video clip the students may start the class by journaling a quick opinion pertaining to a topic prompt provided, class discussion also happens after this reflection time.
Mr. Herbermann (M.S) has a much more laid back and straightforward approach to opening class. He usually goes over what is going to be covered, and the agenda for class that day. Homework is usually a teacher made worksheet with questions pertaining to a chapter in the textbook, so it is handed in for credit after the class discusses the answers.
Reflection: Both of my CT's are experts on focusing the class as soon as the period begins. I appreciate this technique because it doesn't waste any valuable class time. I personally enjoy the way Mr. Reis goes about engaging the class, I find his approach even pulls me into the class. There is always some very
pertinent information expressed in the video, but I think that it is more effective to initially express the important information in an interesting/fun way rather than overloading students with notes. Mr. Reis rarely gives notes, rather, he expects his students to learn via labs and inquiry based activities, as well as proper use of the textbook. In addition, I like the way that Mr. Herbermann provides an agenda for class that day, it allows the students know what is coming, and what will be expected, there are no surprises. I will definitely have the agenda, at least posted on the board in my future classroom.
Observation/Reflection #1: Starting From the Beginning
During this observation, focus on how class begins. Where is your CT before class begins? What is he or she doing? Using the clock on the wall, determinewhen your CT establishes order and begins class. How did she/he start their lesson? How is homework from the previous night reviewed/collected/assessed? How does your CT engage students during the opening of the lesson?Observation:
Class in both of my CT's classroom's starts as soon as the period begins. Mr. Reis (H.S.) usually starts the class off with some interesting animation/ short video clip (2-5 mins), he is a wealth of resources for these types of things. The clips pertain to what the students are learning about during that class period, and usually pull their attention in right away. The class will discuss what they saw and relate it to their Power Notes (outlines) they have made from the book the night before. Science binders are left open on students desks, and Mr. Reis walks around to ensure that the homework was done and is of high quality. If there is not a video clip the students may start the class by journaling a quick opinion pertaining to a topic prompt provided, class discussion also happens after this reflection time.
Mr. Herbermann (M.S) has a much more laid back and straightforward approach to opening class. He usually goes over what is going to be covered, and the agenda for class that day. Homework is usually a teacher made worksheet with questions pertaining to a chapter in the textbook, so it is handed in for credit after the class discusses the answers.
Reflection:
Both of my CT's are experts on focusing the class as soon as the period begins. I appreciate this technique because it doesn't waste any valuable class time. I personally enjoy the way Mr. Reis goes about engaging the class, I find his approach even pulls me into the class. There is always some very
pertinent information expressed in the video, but I think that it is more effective to initially express the important information in an interesting/fun way rather than overloading students with notes. Mr. Reis rarely gives notes, rather, he expects his students to learn via labs and inquiry based activities, as well as proper use of the textbook. In addition, I like the way that Mr. Herbermann provides an agenda for class that day, it allows the students know what is coming, and what will be expected, there are no surprises. I will definitely have the agenda, at least posted on the board in my future classroom.